Like most environmentally-friendly gardeners, I’ve long known that it’s better to cultivate native than nonnative plants. Adapted to local conditions, natives thrive better—and with less water and other expensive inputs … Read more
National Wildlife magazine
Summer Bird Feeding: the Case For and Against
Should you take your bird feeders down for the summer? The answer may depend on where you live. Ever since I started feeding backyard birds several years ago, I’ve religiously … Read more
Monarch Butterflies in a Changing World
On a recent trip to California, I stopped by Natural Bridges State Beach, a lovely seaside protected area in Santa Cruz that’s best known for the monarch butterflies that overwinter there. … Read more
Wildlife Gardening: Don’t Forget the Neighbors
When I bought a house on a large corner lot a decade ago, I was in a hurry to convert the lawn as quickly as possible to a lush, plant-filled … Read more
Nonnative Plants: Ecological Traps?
When I moved into my first house several years ago, it was also the first time I’d ever had my own yard—and with a double lot located on a corner, … Read more
An Expert’s Tips: How to Make Better Nature Photos
You’ve probably seen photographer Rob Sheppard’s images in National Wildlife magazine. Based in Southern California, he’s worked as a nature photographer for nearly 30 years. In addition to shooting photos … Read more
